Biofeedback Training for Psychologists

Psychologists spend a lot of time performing psychological tests and doing talk therapy with their clients.  Many psychologists also have been adding tools and interventions like EMDR and biofeedback to help their clients.  To learn how to use biofeedback, psychologists can get training online.  This can be convenient because it doesn’t involve travel.  On the other hand, it doesn’t allow for the hands-on practice that takes place in an in-person training session.  It can also be beneficial to meet and work with other students during the training.  The networking and teamwork that happens can be invaluable.

Some training also includes APA Continuing Education credit which many psychologists need to maintain their license to practice.  There are many topics that could count towards this credit.  Biofeedback happens to be one of them.  The number of hours required for BCIA (Biofeedback Certification International Alliance) certification is 36 for Neurofeedback (A specialty area of biofeedback or EEG Biofeedback) and 42 hours for Biofeedback, otherwise known as peripheral biofeedback.

psychologists are happy to find out that they can earn so many credits while learning an interesting new skill that they can use in their work.  Biofeedback brings the body into therapy.  It allows the measurement and feedback of signals that change in response to stress or relaxation.  These signals include muscle activity, skin temperature, sweat activity, breathing, and heart rate/heart rate variability.

Neurofeedback brings the brain into therapy.  It allows the measurement of brain activity and feedback of the signals.  These signals are related to different states like excitement, focus, and drowsiness, etc.  With the feedback a client can learn to regulate the activity which can improve symptoms.

I still think that most psychologists have not been trained in biofeedback and are not able to provide it to their patients.  Many people seeking a biofeedback provider have difficulty finding one near them.  There is a need for more psychologists to be trained in biofeedback and neurofeedback.

Harry@biofeedbackinternational.com

914-762-4646